An Overview of Periodontitis Staging and Grading: Insights from the 2017 Classification
Hemalatha DM*, Nanditha Chandran, Vishnusripriya, Shahana Sherin and Shamna Sherin VK
ABSTRACT
The classification of periodontal diseases has evolved to address the complexity, variability, and patient-specific nature of periodontitis. The 1999 system, though widely accepted, showed limitations in differentiating chronic from aggressive periodontitis, lacked integration of risk factors, and provided no framework for assessing disease progression or treatment complexity. To resolve these issues, the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions proposed a new staging and grading model. This approach drew inspiration from oncology models to incorporate disease severity, extent, complexity, and progression risk into a unified system. The 2017 classification categorizes periodontitis into four stages (I–IV) based on severity and complexity, and three grades (A-C) reflecting progression rates and risk factors such as smoking and diabetes. It eliminates the distinction between chronic and aggressive periodontitis, integrates systemic and environmental modifiers, and provides a patient centered framework for diagnosis and treatment. The revised classification enhances diagnostic accuracy, supports individualized care, and enables comparability in research. By standardizing assessment and incorporating systemic influences, the 2017 system represents a significant advancement in periodontal disease diagnosis, prognosis, and management
